Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Rule To List the Barton Springs Salamander as Endangered

The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) determines the Barton Springs salamander (Eurycea sosorum) to be an endangered species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Barton Springs salamander is known only from Barton Springs in Zilker Park, Austin, Travis County, Texas. The primary threats to this species are degradation of the quality and quantity of water that feeds Barton Springs due to urban expansion over the Barton Springs watershed. Also of concern is disturbance to the salamander's surface habitat in the pools where it occurs. This action implements Federal protection provided by the Act for the Barton Springs salamander.